Dear Huskies,
First of all, welcome! I hope you all had fun and productive summers. I know I found an awesome balance between classes, working hard as student body president and finding time to spend in the sun. Now that we’re headed back to the grind, I have a few thoughts I’d like to share with you.
If you are a returning student, you may notice a few changes the university was forced to make over the summer due to budget cuts. Although some beloved people are no longer employed and some divisions have merged, I do have complete faith that these changes will benefit us as students. The goal has been, and always will be, to make it easier for students to navigate the university and the many services it has to offer us.
I know both new and returning students are concerned about what we can do during this time of change. The solution is simple – I campaigned for student body president by promising to create more community here at USM. The easiest way to contribute to the culture of the community is to get involved. USM has many opportunities for that, and if you’re not involved, you are seriously missing out.
USM has an active campus community; there is something out there for everyone – even nontraditional and commuter students. There is active Greek life on campus, engaging students in amazing philanthropic work. There are so many groups to join at USM, including academic clubs and alternative spring break programs. There is a great community service learning program, getting people involved outside the classroom, along with awesome diversity communities serving out multicultural, LGBTQ and veteran communities.
During the first week of classes, there are many opportunities to break out of your bubbles, to meet new people or to try something different. On Wed. Sept. 4, students can connect with student groups and me at Husky Fest. You can also try out the zipline sponsored by the Portland Events Board. Join us Friday evening for a rooftop movie, Monster U, at the top of the Portland parking garage. Bring friends and family then snuggle in! Finally, I will be hosting an event for USM students and their families at the Portland Children’s Museum on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
If you have any questions or concerns over the course of the school year, please feel free to contact me. I can often be found in Woodbury Campus Center, usually in the Student Government Association office or the Center for Sexualities and Gender Diversity.
I look forward to this year as your student body president! Go Huskies!
Kelsea Dunham